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About COPERNICUS Alliance

European Network on Higher Education for Sustainable Development

Background

COPERNICUS Alliance finds its origins in 1993, when the European University Association, acknowledging the critical role of universities in advancing Agenda 21, launched COPERNICUS CAMPUS and the CRE COPERNICUS Charta in Geneva. European university rectors, presidents and vice-chancellors were invited to endorse and support the Charta which outlined ten “change pathways” including sustainable development values and ethics, education for university employees and students, and institutional strategic frameworks. The original document was developed in 1993 and until 2005 signed by 326 universities as a self-commitment to follow its principles on sustainable development.

Strategy

COPERNICUS Alliance aims to achieve the above mentioned goals through a growing network of European higher education institutions and develop a platform to strengthen integration of sustainable development in higher education management, education, research and society.

COPERNICUS Alliance is run by members for members. It is self-financed and uses its funds to achieve its mission. The Alliance seeks external funding for specific projects and activities.

The Alliance is built on the participation of its members. Based on their activities, it forms an innovation network for integration of sustainable development at higher education institutions with multiple contacts and possibilities of exchange at a European level.

Objectives

Networking: Exchanging good practice and enhancing knowledge on sustainability and Education for Sustainable Development in Higher Education.

Policy and Representation: Informing higher education policy-making in Europe and globally. Engaging and participating in international gatherings, dialogues, committees and expert groups.

Professional development: Developing tools and materials and providing professional development opportunities.

Outreach: Working in partnership to promote sustainable development in European Higher Education.

Management

COPERNICUS Alliance (CA) was established and is run by members, for members. It is coordinated by a Leadership Team and supported by an Advisory Board, a Network and a Finance Coordinator. The Leadership Team (President and Vice-President) are elected every second year by the CA members and Advisory Board. The leadership team currently comprises Dr. Clemens Mader, University of Zurich, (President) and Dr. Jana Dlouhá, Charles University, Prague, (Vice-President).